DEVELOPMENT OF CERMET FUEL ELEMENTS

Technical Report · Mon Aug 11 04:00:00 EDT 1958

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4303311· OSTI ID:4303311

Paprocki, S J; Keller, D L; Cunningham, G W; Kizer, D E

Fabrication techniques for making metal-ceramic fuel elements containing 80 to 90 vol. f UN or UO/sub 2/ in a Type 302B stainless steel matrix were investigated. A hot press-forging procedure was most successful for of theoretical or better. This procedure consisted of sealing the cold-p;ressed core compacts in stainless steel picuture-frame packs, heating to 1900 deg F, and pressing to a total reduction in thickness of 35%. A pressure approximately 50 tsi was used specimens produced by this method were evaluated on the basis of their microstructure, modulas of rupture, electrical conduuctivity, and resistance to thermal shock. Microscopic and macrcscopic examination showed the presence of a continuous metal skeleton even in specimens containing 90 vol. a fuel. The modulus cf rupture at rcom amperature varied from 22,500 psi for a specimen containing; 63 vol. % UO/sub 2/ to 9,200 psi for a specimen containing 87 vol.% UO/sub 2/. Both the electrical conductivity and resistance to thermal shock of UO/sub 2/ were improved by the addition of a small volume of metal. Gaspressure-bonding techniques appear promising for cladding these cores into composite elements. (auth)

• Research Organization: Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, Ohio
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-92
• NSA Number: NSA-12-017107
• OSTI ID: 4303311
• Report Number(s): BMI-1282
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BONDING
CERAMICS
CERMETS
COMPACTS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
FABRICATION
FAILURES
FORGING
FUEL CANS
FUEL ELEMENTS
GASES
HEATING
HIGH TEMPERATURE
MATRICES
METALLOGRAPHY
METALS
MICROSCOPY
MINERALOGY, METALLURGY, AND CERAMICS
PRESSURE
SEALS
STABILITY
STAINLESS STEELS
THERMAL STRESSES
THICKNESS
URANIUM NITRIDES